HOMILY 4/26/20 FR. JIM NADEAU

May8,2020

In our weakness we need a Savior, in our wanderings a Guide, in our blindness someone to show us the Light, in our thirst the Fountain of Living Water which quenches forever the thirst of those who drink from it.

We dead people need Life; we sheep need a Shepherd; we children need a Teacher; the whole world needs Jesus!

What profound wisdom our most Holy Shepherd and Teacher gives us when He calls Himself the Shepherd of the sheep: to bind up the injured, to heal the sick, to bring back strays and to pasture them on the holy mountain. These are the promises of the Good Shepherd.

Jesus Himself tells us in the gospel, "I will be their Shepherd and I will be close to them." Close to us like our own clothing. He desires to save our flesh by clothing it in th erobe of immortality. He has also promised to all who call upon Him that He will answer quickly.

Such is our Teacher, both good and just. He said He had not come to be served but to serve, and so the gospel shows Him tired out, He who labored for our sake and promised to give His life as a ransom for the many - a thing only the Good Shepherd can do.

How beautiful the Giver who for our sake gives His most precious possession, His own life! He is a real benefactor and friend, who desired to be our brother when He might have been our Lord, and who in His goodness, even went so far as to die for us!